In a traditional Hindu wedding, the jaimala is the ceremony in which the couple exchanges flower garlands.
The bride and groom place garlands around each other’s necks, publicly signaling acceptance and mutual choice. The ritual is also called varmala in many regions, although names and the order of ceremonies vary across India and among Hindu communities.
Jaimala often takes place before the couple’s other major rites, such as the seven steps around the sacred fire. Guests may cheer as each partner tries to place the garland, especially in contemporary wedding celebrations.
Jaimala is not the same as saptapadi, which refers to the seven steps or vows, and it is separate from kanyadaan, a ritual involving the bride’s formal giving in some traditions. Hindu weddings are highly regional, so no single sequence applies everywhere.